Friday, December 21, 2012
Patch contacted 10 newly elected representatives to find out what they plan to do to help curb gun violence in our country in the wake of last week's mass killing in Newtown, CT. Those who actually wanted to discuss the issue say it's time for a change.
When members of the 113th Congress take their seats in January, one of the top items on their agenda very well could be a new look at federal gun control laws. In the wake of the Newtown, CT, tragedy of one week ago today, President Obama on Wednesday set a January deadline for his administration to "create concrete proposals" to curb gun violence in the United States. Obama also called on Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004 to "pursue the possibility of limiting high-capacity ammunition clips" and to "close a gun show loophole that allows people to purchase firearms from private dealers without a background check." What will come of this renewed debate is yet to be seen, but what is certain is that …
Saturday, January 21, 2012
GovTrack.us, an independent legislative tracking project, keeps tabs on elected federal lawmakers.
- GOVERNMENT
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Saturday, January 21, 2012
When it comes to perfect attendance for congressional votes, two Illinois suburban members of the U.S. House of Representatives rank high. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-13th) and Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-14th) have missed fewer than 1 percent of roll calls, according to data from GovTrack.us, an independent legislative tracking project. GovTrack.gov computed that Rep. Peter Roskam (R-6th) missed 2.6 percent of 4,479 roll call votes since Jan 4, 2007. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd) missed 2.5 percent of roll call votes. All suburban congressmen placed above the national average when compared with the attendance of their colleagues. The national average of missed roll call votes for all House members is 3.89 percent. Biggert, a Republican from Hinsdale, …
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The BNSF Foundation donates $10,000 to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and $10,000 to Operation Support Our Troops.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011
BNSF Railway paid tribute to U.S. military families during a special Holiday Express train ride on Sunday, Dec. 4. Service members and their families were treated to a half-hour train ride from Downers Grove to Chicago aboard vintage passenger cars decorated for the holidays. The BNSF Foundation also presented $10,000 to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund and $10,000 to Operation Support Our Troops. Congresswoman Judy Biggert, R-13, and Congressman Dan Lipinski, D-3 were in attendance and addressed the families during the event. While on board the Holiday Express, families were treated to holiday snacks, given a commemorative holiday ornament and a visit by Santa.
Doremus Jessup
11:49 am on Saturday, January 21, 2012
I"m sure they're a pleasure to have in class as well. Before we go applauding their superman like attendance maybe we can take into account that they have a lot of days off. Here is a link to the legislative calendar. http://thomas.loc.gov/home/ds/h1121.html It shows 174 legislative days or 176 calendar days for 2011. So at $174,000 that's about $1000 a day.Not too bad for a government job. more ›